The generosity of people in the Rock River Valley never ceases to amaze us. Times are tough, but you still manage to give to help those who are less fortunate.

That has been especially the case with the Rockford Register Star’s Empty Stocking Club toy giveaway. A region mired in high unemployment and high poverty rates has many needs, and readers of the Register Star help as best they can.

The Register Star has sponsored the campaign for more than 30 years to make sure every child in need in Boone and Winnebago counties has at least one present to open on Christmas. Children also receive a pair of gloves or mittens.

Our readers make it happens through donations large and small. Little gifts can lead to big results. The campaign starts Sunday. We’ve inserted an envelope for your convenience that you can use to send your donation.

If you can’t find the envelope, or you read us online, you can send your contribution to Empty Stocking Club c/o Associated Bank, 612 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103-6997.

Last year, skateboards, board games, dolls and other toys were distributed to 4,767 children, which was 124 more than the year before. We expect even more parents to sign up their children this year. There is a special registration from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 23 at Crusader Community Health, 1100 Broadway and Ken-Rock Community Center, 3218 11th St.

Other signup locations will be available Nov. 25 to Dec. 6.

The toy distribution will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Rockford Rescue Mission Hope Place, 715 W. State St.

We have an ambitious goal again — $60,000. Last year we fell a bit short, but still were able to deliver for the children.

We’re off to a good start. Associated Bank has contributed $1,000 and also will provide volunteers to help with the toy giveaway.

The Register Star has continued the Empty Stocking tradition because it’s the right thing to do. Our employees volunteer and make contributions of their own. It’s one of the ways we try to give back to the community.

The smiles and genuine joy we see on the faces of the children as they get what may be their only Christmas present truly is precious. Help us create more smiles this year by donating to the Empty Stocking Club. Thank you.